UCLA teammates have confidence in freshman QB Josh Rosen

UCLA's players are not concerned that the less-experienced Josh Rosen, right, beat out Jerry Neuheisel, left, for the starting quarterback job. Veterans are singing his praises going into Saturday's season opener. MICHAEL GOULDING, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

UCLA's players are not concerned that the less-experienced Josh Rosen, right, beat out Jerry Neuheisel, left, for the starting quarterback job. Veterans are singing his praises going into Saturday's season opener.MICHAEL GOULDING, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

LOS ANGELES – A true freshman quarterback is inevitably going to make mistakes.

UCLA faces that potential scenario Saturday when it turns to blue-chip recruit Josh Rosen in its season opener against Virginia.

Yet to listen to Rosen’s teammates tell it, there’s not much concern about that possibility. All week, they’ve been more inclined to heap praise at the feet of their 18-year-old quarterback rather than temper already soaring expectations.

“The great thing about Josh is just how smart he is already,” junior linebacker Deon Hollins said. “A lot of times, with freshmen, they get on the field, their mind is wandering. Big lights, big crowd, college football. He’s just so focused all the time. I feel like that’s really what separates him from other freshmen.”

Senior center Jake Brendel was rather matter of fact.

“He’s a tremendous athlete, and he does amazing things,” Brendel said. “I mean, he’s a good quarterback.”

Rosen arrived at UCLA in January on the heels of a decorated prep career, where he threw for 8,473 yards and 90 touchdowns in three varsity seasons, leading St. John Bosco High of Bellflower to a state championship and undefeated season in 2013.

He was officially chosen the Bruins’ starter last week, beating out junior Jerry Neuheisel, who was Brett Hundley’s backup a year ago.

“There’s spurts of greatness in him,” Brendel added.

When Rosen takes the first snap Saturday, he’ll be the first true freshman quarterback in school history to start a season opener, which serves as a testament to not only his skill set but an ability to quickly pick up the offense.

“He definitely has a good grasp of the concepts offensively,” junior running back Paul Perkins said.

The offense Rosen directed at St. John Bosco mirrored the up-tempo spread system employed by UCLA’s offensive coordinator, Noel Mazzone. That experience, coupled with impressive physical traits, has set the bar high.

“Josh’s potential is up there,” senior wide receiver Jordan Payton said. “I don’t want to name drop names, but he’s up there with some of the best physically. Now, for him, it’s about developing a great mindset. Now it’s all mental for him. It’s going to be great to see him grow up.”

So how will Rosen look in his debut?

“That’s the great unknown,” said UCLA coach Jim Mora, who was more coy. “We’re going to learn very, very fast exactly where he is. I’m excited about that. I really am. But I don’t know right now.”

BIGGER ROLE FOR STARKS

Running back Nate Starks had 31 carries last season, but after an impressive offseason, the sophomore looks ready to get more touches out of the backfield.

“I think it will increase,” Mazzone said.

Losing the running threat of Hundley at quarterback and running back Jordon James could result in more carries for Starks, now Perkins’ backup.

NO BOARDING PASSES NEEDED

Four of UCLA’s past five season openers came on the road, with trips to Kansas State, Houston, Rice and Virginia, each at least 1,500 miles away.

This year, it’s a simple 25-mile bus ride from the Westwood campus to the Rose Bowl.

“Last year, we had to go out two days early,” Mora said. “It’s a long flight. It’s a long bus ride. It knocks you off your routine a little bit. We’re all about our routine as we get closer to the game. So being able to settle this first week into a routine, without getting on a plane, will really help us.”

The only time UCLA opened its season at home in the previous five years was in 2013 against Nevada.

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